The organization celebrated this milestone with a 10th Birthday Luncheon at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

Highlights of the luncheon included testimonials from Gifford Youth Achievement Center and St. Francis Manor; a Spirit of Philanthropy award presented to John and Kathi Schumann; keynote remarks from wealth legacy coach and author Kristen Heaney; birthday cake and some “school spirit” courtesy of the Vero Beach High School Band’s drumline, also known as the “Pride of the Treasure Coast.”

Since its establishment in 2008, the foundation has consistently ranked among the fastest growing new community foundations in the country. By the end of 2018, it will have recorded more than $100 million in philanthropic contributions.

Mary Graves, left, Kerry Bartlett and Shotsi Lajoie at the 10th anniversary luncheon for the Indian River Community Foundation.(Photo: Maureen Nicolace/For Luminaries)

“While this may not be a surprise given the generosity of our community’s residents, it is an impressive total for such a young community foundation that began with $1 million in start-up capital from 52 founders,” said Jeff Pickering, president and CEO.

Beyond growing, the Community Foundation has done a lot of good for the local community and beyond. In recent years, the organization has topped the list of the most active grant-makers among all U.S. community foundations. By the end of 2018, the Community Foundation will have awarded more than $50 million in grants, 80 percent of which support Indian River County charities.

“Since most of the Community Foundation’s grants are awarded from donor advised funds, these statistics really demonstrate the generosity of our clients,” said Pickering.

“I consider the Community Foundation as a valuable resource to living donors,” said Neill Currie, the foundation’s board chair. “We help our clients find comfort that they are making the wisest choices with their charitable dollars.”

As a testament to how comfortable clients are with its mission and services, more than 40 individuals and families have already chosen to entrust Indian River Community Foundation with their charitable legacy by making a planned gift from their estates. The Community Foundation’s Alma Lee Loy Legacy Society honors these generous commitments, and represents a sacred obligation to use this philanthropic capital for good, forever.

Ed Perry, left, and Scott Alexander at the Indian River Community Foundation's 10th Birthday Luncheon at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.(Photo: Maureen Nicolace/For Luminaries)

“As for the future, Indian River Community Foundation will continue to grow by helping generous people to simplify their donations and give to the causes they love through donor advised funds, “said Pickering. “If we do this job well, more people will be inspired to work with us to create and leave a charitable legacy to support the causes they care about forever through permanent endowments. We are off to a good start, and believe it can only get better.”

About the Indian River Community Foundation

Indian River Community Foundation was established in 2008 with a mission of building a better community through donor-driven philanthropy. With assets approaching $50 million in 160 charitable giving accounts, the Community Foundation and its clients have awarded approximately $50 million in grants, mostly to nonprofit charitable organizations located in Indian River County, Florida. For more information visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org.

Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/specialty-publications/luminaries/indian-river-county/2018/03/21/10-years-100-million-philanthropindian-river-community-foundation-celebrates-decade-dedication-givin/446867002/